Puligny-Montrachet

1er Cru Les Demoiselles

white

Terroir

This charming wine is flattering as much gentlemen inspired by its female name as wine lovers interested by its neighbouring the white grands crus plots.
The name "Les Demoiselles” is a reminder of two former owners, Adèle and Julie Voillot, daughters of a former military general in Beaune at the beginning of the 19th century, who lived as spinsters.
This pretty name is reserved only for the southern part of the plot known as "Les Caillerets".
It is also used in addition to the appellation "Chevalier-Montrachet" for the wines produced from the plot of "Chevalier Grand cru" located just on top of the slope.

Viticulture

We provide traditional manual culture work and care to the vine from november to July: Guyot pruning, ploughing, debudding for yield control, shot knitting and only when necessary spraying against the vine diseases.
The time and care we give to the vine is key to wine quality.

Winemaking

First steps include crushing and fermentation in French oak barrels (1/3 new).
Then comes bâtonnage and natural malolactic fermentation at cellar temperature (13 to 14° C).
After 12 months of ageing, the wine is pumped back to one tank for 6 more months before bottling preparation.

Tasting

The pure mineral dominance of Puligny is clearly revealed here.
The south-east exposure and the slope topography together with the vine age bring richness and complexity. The depth is lingering in fine aromatic layers of fresh and lemony fruit hints followed by more intense dry fruit notes. The subtle flesh requires a few years of ageing to show all its complexity in a more concentrated style.

Ideal consumption

5 to 8 years - depends on shipping and storage conditions

Ageing potential

10 years - depends on shipping and storage conditions

Vintage

Spring was exceptionally warm and dry and started the vine growing cycle earlier than usual (as in 2011).
On June 28, a major climatic change happened with a hail storm (more violent from Meursault to Beaune). After this hail storm, summer remained rather cold and humid. Sun was back only 3 weeks before harvest, that started on september 13 in Chassagne.

To conclude, the right balance between freshness and ripeness is reached thanks to this number of weather épisodes that implied spring high températures, summer rains and return of sunshine in indian summer time.